Manipuri Optional Syllabus

The Manipuri Optional for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is an excellent choice for candidates with a strong foundation in the language and its literature. The syllabus encompasses the evolution of Manipuri as a language, its grammar, and an in-depth study of its classical and contemporary literary works, including poetry, prose, and drama. It offers candidates the opportunity to explore the rich cultural and literary traditions of Manipur. This post provides a detailed breakdown of the syllabus.

Paper I: Manipuri Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. General characteristics of Manipuri Language and history of its development; its importance and status among the Tibeto-Burman Languages of North-East India; recent development in the study of Manipuri Language; evolution and study of old Manipuri script.
   2. Significant features of Manipuri Language :
      1. Phonology : Phoneme-vowels, consonants juncture, tone, consonant cluster and its occurrence, syllable-its structure, pattern and types.
      2. Morphology : Word-class, root and its types; affix and its types; grammatical categories-gender, number, person, case, tense and aspects, process of compounding (samas and sandhi).
      3. Syntax : Word order; types of sentences, phrase and clause structures.

2. Section B:

   1. Literary History of Manipuri :
      1. Early period (up to 17th Century)–Social and cultural background; Themes, diction and style of the works.
      2. Medieval period (18th and 19th Century)-Social, religious and political background; Themes, diction and style of the works.
      3. Modern period-Growth of major literary forms; change of Themes, diction and style.
   2. Manipuri Folk Literature:
      Legend, Folktale, Folksong, Ballad, Proverb and Riddle.
   3. Aspects of Manipuri Culture :
      Pre-Hindu Manipuri Faith; Advent of Hinduism and the process of syncreticism.
      Performing arts-Lai Haraoba, Maha Ras.
      Indegenous games-Sagol Kangjei, Khong Kangjei, Kang.

Paper II: Manipuri Optional Syllabus

1. Section A:

   1. Old Manipuri Literature:

      1. O. Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.) : Numit Kappa
      2. M. Gourachandra Singh (Ed.) : Thawanthaba Hiran
      3. N. Khelchandra Singh (Ed.) : Naothingkhong
      4. M. Chandra Singh (Ed.) : Panthoibi Khonggul

   2. Medieval Manipuri Literature:

      1. M. Chandra Singh (Ed.) : Samsok Ngamba
      2. R.K. Snahal Singh (Ed.) : Ramayana Adi Kanda
      3. N. Khelchandra Singh (Ed.) : Dhananjoy Laibu Ningba
      4. O. Bhogeswar Singh (Ed.) : Chandrakirti Jila Changba

2. Section B:

   1. Poetry:

      1. Manipuri Sheireng (Pub) Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, 1998 (Ed.)
         Kh. Chaoba Singh : Pi Thadoi, Lamgi CheklaAmada, Loktak
         Dr. L. Kamal Singh : Nirjanata, Nirab Rajani
         A. Minaketan Singh : Kamalda, Nonggumlalkkhoda.
         L. Samarendra Singh : Ingagi Nong, Mamang Leikai Thambal Satle
         E. Nilakanta Singh : Manipur, Lamangnaba
         Shri Biren : Tangkhul Hui
         Th. Ibopishak : Anouba Thunglaba Jiba.
      2. Kanchi Sheireng. (Pub) Manipur University 1998 (Ed.)
         Dr. L. Kamal Singh : Biswa-Prem
         Shri Biren : Chaphadraba Laigi Yen
         Th. Ibopishak : Norok Patal Prithivi

   2. Epic:

      1. A. Dorendrajit Singh : Kansa Bodha
      2. H. Anganghal Singh : Khamba-Thoibi Sheireng(San-Senba, Lei Langba,Shamu Khonggi Bichar)

   3. Drama:

      1. S. Lalit Singh : Areppa Marup
      2. G.C. Tongbra : Matric Pass
      3. A. Samarendra : Judge Saheb ki Imung

   4. Novel:

      1. Dr. L. Kamal Singh : Madhabi
      2. H. Anganghal Singh : Jahera
      3. H. Guno Singh : Laman
      4. Pacha Meetei : Imphal Amasung, MagiIshing, Nungsitki Phibam

   5. Short-Story:

      1. Kanchi Warimacha (Pub) Manipur University 1997(Ed.)
         R.K. Shitaljit Singh : Kamala Kamala
         M.K. Binodini : Eigi Thahoudraba HeitupLalu
         Kh. Prakash : Wanom Shareng
      2. Parishadki Khangatlaba Warimacha (Pub) Manipuri Sahitya Parishad 1994 (Ed.)
         S. Nilbir Shastri : Loukhatpa
         R.K. Elangba : Karinunggi
      3. Anouba Manipuri Warimacha (Pub) The Cultural Forum Manipur 1992 (Ed.)
         N. Kunjamohon Singh : Ijat Tanba
         E. Dinamani : Nongthak Khongnang

   6. Prose:

      1. Warenggi Saklon [Due Part] (Pub) The Cultural Forum Manipur 1992 (Ed.)
         Kh. Chaoba Singh : Khamba-Thoibigi WariAmasung Mahakavya
      2. Kanchi Wareng (Pub) Manipur University, 1998 (Ed.)
         B. Manisana Shastri : Phajaba
         Ch. Manihar Singh : Lai-Haraoba
      3. Apunba Wareng (Pub) Manipur University, 1986 (Ed.)
         Ch. Pishak Singh : Samaj Amasung Sanskriti
         M.K. Binodini : Thoibidu Warouhouida
         Eric Newton : Kalagi Mahousa (translated by I.R. Babu)
      4. Manipuri Wareng (Pub) The Cultural Forum Manipur 1999 (Ed.)
         S. Krishnamohan Singh : Lan